Seeing my ‘perminant’ home

Turns out Simcoe was here to 'check up' on the Woodhull family cause he saw the lightning strike. Abe talked to him and told him we were fine but there was one problem. Starting tomorrow they will be housing a British soldier until further notice. Abe came and explained that he will find somewhere for me to stay as I didn't really have anywhere to go and because of my knowledge he didn't want anyone to know or get a hold of me. Mary has gone to bed right after making sure Simcoe was gone and I was settled in the guest room. She gave me a simple night gown to put on that felt really baggy on me and I felt weird.

"You will accompany me tomorrow into town where we will ask a friend of mine if you can have sanctuary with him."

I felt extremely tired and mentally exhausted. My eyes were really heavy and it was getting harder to pay attention and listen. It feels like all the energy is drained from my body and I could sleep for days.

"I don't want to intrude on you anymore. I can just go my own way in the morning."

"No! Absolutely not! If what you are saying is true and if someone finds out then you will either be used for information against your will or they will hang you or drown you for being a witch. You were clearly sent here for a reason and until we discover this reason I will keep you protected the best I can."

I felt him grab my hand to get my attention. Instead of expecting his hand to be cold and boney they were actually quite warm and strong. I felt him squeeze my hand in his making me look at his face seeing he had a reassuring smile on his face. I looked him in the eyes smiling back at him.

"Thank you Abraham, I appreciate it."

He simply nodded his head still smiling at me. It was only a minute that went by before I realized he still held my hand. My face became really warm and I cleared my throat tugging on my hand a bit. He quickly realized what I meant hastily pulling his hand away and looked to the floor.

"Well I guess we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow so let's try to get some rest. There is a lot I have to learn and a lot of people I will probably meet tomorrow."

"Mary is first up every sunrise so she will wake us when food is ready. If you need anything else for the night, please, don't be afraid to help yourself or come and get me."

He left the guest room bidding me good night and shutting the door behind him. I brushed the bottom of my feet to get rid of dirt and crawled under the blanket. I laid there looking at the ceiling playing in my head what happened tonight and everything finally clicked. I'm away from my family, my friends and I'm somewhere that I don't recognize. I'm all alone in the world that I was thirsted into and the only person who knows is Abraham. What did I do to deserve this?

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The first thing I felt was an ache in my neck that felt stiff and needed to be popped immediately. I slowly opened my eyes letting them adjust to the light shining into the room from the rising sun. I looked out the window relaxing that I wasn't actually in my room but I will still in the log cabin.

"So everything that happened last night wasn't a dream. Great!"

I set up in the bed and realized how stiff and tight my neck felt. I leaned my head to the left and right hearing a loud pop on both sides.

"Ahhh! That was what I needed. I wonder if everyone is up yet?"

I slowly got up out of bed taking my time as I didn't want to fall on my ass like yesterday. The ground was cold under my feet just barely being tolerable. I walked over to the door slowly opening it hearing it make a creaking noise. I peeked out the door looking right at the fire place seeing that something was cooking in a giant pot. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Mary come around the corner by the entrance with a dress in her arms.

"Good morning! I brought you some clothes to wear as yours aren't very lady like."

She pushed the clothes into my arms and turned me around pushing me back into the room.

"Let's make you look presentable to play the part of my sister. Since Simcoe thinks you are looking for a suitor you will have to look presentable."

I slowly stripped out of the robe feeling the chill from the air hit my bare body making me shiver. I put a tight shirt on to which I turned around seeing she had a corset in her hands.

"I am not putting that on. That looks painful and it won't fit."

"Well we have to at least try and they aren't too bad once you get used to them."

"Yeah, no I don't ever want to get used to them. I heard they move your insides and I don't want to feel that."

I held eye contact with Mary seeing that she wasn't happy I refuse to wear the corset but I don't care.

"How about this. I will let you do my hair and rest of my clothes if you don't make me wear that."

"We have a deal Stephanie. Now let me help you put this dress on."

After about fifteen minutes of putting on two layers of clothes and me trying to figure out which order they go in, I was finally dressed. She brought me over to the floor mirror that was set beside the door to the room. I looked at myself taking in the whole look. I was wearing a nice emerald green dress with tan vine and floral designs on the bottom rim and my middle section. The dress itself went all the way down to my feet just barely missing the ground. The sides of it made my hips seem wider than they were and it hugged my middle just right. The top section pushed on my breast and pushed them up showing more cleavage then what I was comfortable with but I guess it was the fashion of this time so I didn't say anything. My hair was put into a tight bun with five strands of it pulled down and twirled on the side of my face. Mary also gave me some simple black shoes with little heels on the back of them, so I could still walk. Looking at myself I felt more proud and happy with how I looked right now then I ever have my entire life.

"I cannot believe my guess was correct. I thought you might fit into my mother's old dress when she was young but I didn't think it would look perfect on you. Green is stunning on you with your hair and eyes."

Mary beamed at me and smiled at her work looking me up and down.

"I'm not gonna lie I look amazing! Thank you Mary! Are you sure you want me wearing this?"

I looked at her apprehensive to wear her mother's old dress but she simply shook her head.

"Yes! I want you to have it. Green isn't my color but my mother's insisted that I take it saying it will come in handy some day. Today seems to be that day. It is yours miss Stephanie."

No one has ever given me something this nice before so I turned, hugged Mary and thanked her once more.

"Alright now let us go enjoy some breakfast before you leave for town."

I followed Mary back to the kitchen and helped her set the table. While I was walking past the pot at one point I could smell what was inside. I don't want to be that person but it just smelt kind of bland. I took a quick look and saw that it was a type of stew with chunks of meat in it and potatoes.

"Mary, what kind of soup is this?"

"It's a beef stew with potatoes. Why?" She never once stopped and looked at me.

"No reason."

I didn't want to mess with her food so I just left it the way it was and turned to look at Mary fully.

"Would you mind going and getting Abe for me? He has Thomas upstairs changing his diaper."

She looked at me fully now coming over to stir the pot next to me.

"Yes Mary."

I turned to the entrance of the house walking towards and turning to my left. I pulled my dress up enough so I could climb the stairs without tripping.

'I got struck by lightning and took up their guest room, let's not add falling down the stairs to that list please.' I thought to myself.

As I ascended the stairs every other step made a small or loud creaking noise until I reached the top. I looked to my left seeing a partial open door. I creeped up to it looking inside a bit seeing Abraham with his back turned to me bent over the bed. I stood up straight and announced my arrival.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Come in!" Abe called from the other side. I slowly pushed the door open hearing it thud a bit when it was wide open. Making me wince thinking it hit the wall too hard and I felt my face get hot with embarrassment. He quickly turned and looked at me.

"Good morning, Abe, sorry for the noise, but breakfast is ready."

I noticed he quickly looked me up and down lingering on my face for a couple seconds. He seemed almost speechless just starring at me.

Now I'm not the type to get guys or men to look at her, so I got nervous under his stare thinking maybe the door did hit too hard.

"Mmmhhhh!" I cleared my throat.

"Ah, yes! Let me grab Thomas and I'll be right down! Thank you Miss Stephanie." He quickly turned away from me fixing Thomas's clothes.

I took my leave heading back down stairs and waiting for Mary to tell me where to sit. She pointed to a chair on the side of the table and she sat at the end of it. Abraham came down shortly after sitting placing Thomas in a little chair next to Mary and Abraham took the chair opposite to Mary. I didn't want to offend anyone so I waited for someone/anyone to take a bite first. Abraham took the first bite, followed quickly by Mary and then Thomas.

'Alright. So the man of the house eats first followed by the women of the house, then kids and then guest.' I thought to myself.

I took a big bite of the stew in front of me not realizing how hungry I really was and-. OMG!! I don't want to be that person but it was so bland and the meat tasted like rubber. I fought the disgust look from my face and focused on chewing.

'This isn't 2020 anymore Stephanie. They don't have the luxury of what we have yet' I thought.

After a couple bites I got used to the taste and finished my stew. Abraham went and got the coach ready for travel while I helped Mary clean up.

Once that was finished I thank Mary for breakfast and went outside. Abraham helped me up onto the coach and climbed up himself taking the reigns.

"I will see you around Mary! Thank you again for the dress and breakfast!" I waved to her.

"We will see you another time soon miss Stephanie!" Mary waved back.

I turned my body back around looking in front of me taking in the surrounding trees and fields that were around me. I took in a deep breathe now realizing how fresh and clean the air actually was.

"Mmmhhh. The air smells and feels much cleaner than my time."

"Well what is your time really like? Also before we get into town I need to explain to you what the situation is right now with the town and everything going on. I need you to stay by my side at all times! Do not wonder off and please don't interact with anyone you don't know."

He turned and looked at me with much seriousness in his eyes. I nodded my head and so began our journey. It took about an hour but I told him a little bit more about my time and he also explained to me what's happening right now with the town. We enjoyed each other's company sometime even laughing about something we said or what the other told. It's was nice and I was happy I had a possible friend here I could rely on.

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Abraham pulled the coach up to a building by the water. I took in a deep breathe enjoying the breeze and fresh smell coming from the water edge. I felt the coach move under me making me turn towards Abe who had climbed down and coming around to my side. Before he could reach me I stood up real quick and jumped down onto the group. He quickly came over to me grabbing my arm and pulled me closer.

"You can't do that here Stephanie. You are meant to be a lady and my wife's sister so you need to present yourself as such." He whispered into my ear.

"I'm sorry I'm just not used to being treated like a delicate flower. This is gonna take some time getting used to." I looked at him sheepishly giving him the best smile I could.

"Ok just be more careful. If you see a man holding the door and coming to your side just let him help you. Women don't have right here just remember that."

"Yes, Abe, I apologize." I smiled again at him.

He nodded and started to talk towards the building next to us. I followed closely behind him with my arms swinging by my sides. Going inside the building I noticed that it was actually a bar or in this case a pub for this time period. It was filled with red coats, as Abe called them.

'Well shit this is very uncomfortable' I thought looking around at all 40 of them cramped in this one building.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Mr. Woodhull?" I heard a deep demanding voice behind me.

I turned and saw a man about the same height as Simcoe. Holding a cup and wiping it down with a towel. He had longer hair than Abe did and his was also in a man bun. He didn't have that much of a defined jawline and he had a little chub of skin under his chin.

'I can't judge because I do to, trust me no judging here.'

He has strong brown eyes and a normal size nose as well. He had on a white tie around his neck, with a deep red button up blouse and a deep green jacket over it. He had on black skinny pants and black shoes to match.

"I have a favor Selah."

"Oh, more favor to add to the list you won't be able to pay back." Selah looked at Abe with expecting eyes.

"I'll double my pay to you if you help me with this one final request." Selah just looked at him and went to turn away. "Please. She doesn't have anywhere to go and I don't want her to have to stay with my father if I can help it." Abe has a pleasing look in his eyes.

Selah finally turned and looked at me sizing me up complete ignoring Abe now. His gaze was calculating as he starred into my eyes and I just couldn't look away.

"Do you know how to clean?" He asked me.

"Um, yes sir?"

"Is that a question or an answer miss—?"

"Oh, Yes Sir! My name is Stephanie MacDonald sir!"

He held his gaze for what felt like minutes but was only a couple seconds before turning back to Abraham.

"Alright she can stay in my house with me and Anna, but she has to earn her keep. Whatever I ask of her she has to fulfill."

Abe looked like he was about to argue, but I stepped in before he could.

"Yes sir, I can and will! Not to sound too out of line but my father also taught me how to be a server for establishments such as your here, if you wish for my help here as well?"

I looked at him keeping my head high and never turning away. He returned the gaze with thought before finally looking at Abe and answering.

"Alright. You have yourself a deal Mr. Woodhull. Don't forget the debt you owe me for your crops." He grabbed Abraham's hand and shook it.

"Yes, Selah, I won't forget they are almost ready I promise I will pay you back in full."

Abe turned to me lightly touching each of my arms.

"Selah Strong will look after you and keep you safe. Trust him and his wife, no one else that you encounter alright."

I nodded my head indicating I understood. He gave me a quick hug and left out the door saying as he left.

"Good bye. I will check on you whenever I can. If you need anything let Selah, Anna or me know."

With that he got back on the coach and I watched as he left over the hill crest.

"Miss MacDonald, lets get you an apron, a less beautiful dress to wear and put you to work."

I turned following Selah to the back of the pub turning around the corner. Before I could fully be out of eyesight I felt a horrible chill of someone or something starring at me from behind. I quickly turn around and look around not noticing anyone starring at me. I got a shiver up my spine and quickly went back to following Selah in the back.

'Alright. Day 1 of establishing a place to stay and helpfully save up some money! Let's go!'

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This is the dress that is described in this chapter that she will mostly be wearing throughout the story, but she will also be wearing other dresses as well. A huge thank you too @mckennarowell for the amazing advice. I tried applying it to this chapter and I hope they have more advice for me and I hope other have advice as well. I love open opinions so I can improve my writing and people telling me what they want to see more of so I can draw more people in. Also please go and check out her story that I absolutely love and inspired me to finally get around to writing my story that I have been thinking of! Theirs is called "Why can't every story have a happy ending?" It made me laugh, made me happy and made me cry, so I hope you guys go and check their story out they are amazing writers and I can't wait to read more of their stories! Thank you and y'all stay beautiful and have a great day!